I have Ipad 3 with wifi and 3G. I want to set the priority that the ipad connects to the wifi network when available (home/work/whatever) rather than use the 3G data connection. I know the 3G can be switched off manually each time, but was hoping there was a way to set the priority.
All help appreciated.
iPad, iOS 5.1
I've always thought that this is automatic...how do you know that iPad is using 3G instead of Wi-Fi?
iOS will always choose wifi over mobile data, as long as a network is available. If you have a wifi fan in the corner, you will be using wifi, not 3g. The only way to disable this is to turn wifi off.
If you're going to be using wifi and don't want 3G active, you can always turn it off in Settings >> Mobile Data
iOS will always choose wifi over mobile data, as long as a network is available.
I read somewhere that this was true for iPad 1/2, however, with the new iPad cellular gets the priority. There have been several post here where new iPad users cellular plan used it's budget when the user was mostly on wifi.
Cheers, Tom 😉
Interesting, can we get some links?
I read the discussion the other day about the priority shift from wifi to cell if both are availalbe. And was surprised. I don't have access to a pad 3 to really test it, so somebody should to confirm the shift.
I did pull down the 5.1 manual, and it still reads that wifi will trump 3 or 4 g.
'If no Wi-Fi networks are available, iPad (4G or 3G models) connect over your cellular network, if possible.'.
But if in fact they have made the shift, that will be a big deal for some users. Anybody run some tests?
I'll run them in the week end. I'm in Italy and my operator is 3. I can let the cellular network on while connected to my home's wi-fi and check, by 3's application, if the traffic is on the cellular network or not.
However, since the 3G icon disappears and the Wi-Fi icon appears when a Wi-Fi network is available, I think it takes Wi-Fi newtork as its priority....
I tested this and can reconfirm that Wi-Fi has priority over cellular network, so rest assured!
The application which I use to check credit and traffic's consumption only works over 3G network.
When I enabled 3G network, while connected on Wi-Fi, the application told me to turn off the Wi-Fi to allow the connection to the server. This means that, even with cellular network enabled, the iPad was using the Wi-Fi.
Case closed I guess 🙂
This might be the link you are looking for https://discussions.apple.com/thread/3885445?answerId=18160874022#18160874022
Now wondering if this could depend on the carrier °__°
Hi all, I had 166MB used of 200MB of 3g data late last night when I checked. This morning at worked I uploaded a couple of videos to YouTube through the phone, when it was connected to WiFi, and now I get an overage email from ATT that I am up to 260MB for this month. That should be impossible, I was uploading on WiFi, unless when the screen locked it continued to upload on 3G instead of wifi. That would be silly. But it certainly seems that the phone favors 3g over wifi, unless I completely turn of cellular data, but then when I actually go somewhere and forget to turn the data on I miss a ton of stuff
If the screen is locked and the device is not plugged into a power source, it will use 3G. This is an intentional powersaving feature. If you want it to keep using WiFi, plug it in.
Always tought that cellular 3G uses more power than WIFI - only in transmit power 3G must be able cover a larger distance compared to WIFI.
If the WIFI-3G priority swap is caused by the powersaving issue, those downloading something large over WIFI without AC mains might just end up with a zero'd prepaid balance or a billshock at home when in a foreign country.
Yes I can confirm this from personal experience. I have a monthly 3G plan of 3GB usage, which is more than enough for my needs when at work or while out of range of WiFi.
I've just wiped that out over two days. I thought I was viewing a video at home on my WiFi network (which is on 24/7) I got a message saying You have used 2.67GB of your monthly plan and will need to buy more useage if you wish to continue..."
My plan only renewed 10 days ago and I never watch videos when I'm not on my WiFi connection (or so I thought!)
Yes, I've been having to turn of Wireless Data every time I come to work or get home and remember to turn it on otherwise. Saved me half of the data I was using on average before. But it's such a paid. Wish it was a setting I could just choose to make WiFi priority, I don't care about the battery if it gets low I'll charge it, but if my data runs out ATT will bill me, that hurts more. At least if it wasn't bearied like 3 levels deep. Is it possible to make an app to change that setting with one tap?
I had the same question and the replies saying wifi takes priority are correct. If your still skeptical you can confirm it for yourself by by downloading and running the speedtest.net app (available for iPhone only but works on ipad). You can run the speedtest with both wifi and 3G on. Once it has finished you can check in the results tab, where it will show you not only the speed results but which network was used, wifi or 3G. Hope this clears up any doubts.
how to set wifi as priority over 3G
